1. discernible. 2. open, conspicuous, manifest, unmistakable. Apparent,evident,obvious,patent all refer to something easily perceived. Apparent applies to that which can readily be seen or perceived: an apparent effort.Evident applies to that which facts or circumstances make plain: His innocence was evident.Obvious applies to that which is unquestionable, because of being completely manifest or noticeable: an obvious change of method.Patent, a more formal word, applies to that which is open to view or understanding by all: a patent error.

late 14c., "visibly, openly," from apparent + -ly (2). Meaning "evidently" is from 1550s; that of "to all appearances" (but not necessarily "really") is from 1560s; meaning "so far as can be judged, seemingly," is from 1846. A gradual retreat from certainty.

apparent

adj.

late 14c., from Old French aparant "evident, obvious, visible," from Latin apparentem (nominative apparens) "visible, manifest," present participle of apparere (see appear). First attested in phrase heir apparent (see heir). Meaning "superficial" is c.1400. Apparent magnitude in astronomy (how bright a heavenly body looks from earth, as opposed to absolute magnitude, which is how bright it really is) is attested from 1875.